Reds Legend Hopes To See Suarez Left Out Of Liverpool Side

Ian Rush says he is hopeful that Luis Suarez will have to fight for his place in the Liverpool squad when he makes his return after serving a ten-match ban for biting.

Suarez will be available for the clash against Manchester United on 25 September and the reception the striker will receive from Liverpool fans will be particularly interesting considering he was publicly trying to push for a move to Arsenal in the summer.

Brendan Rodgers was able to solve the situation after the Uruguay international apologised for his public comments against the club, and Rush believes that it would be the perfect icing on the cake if he could start on the bench against United because the current Liverpool side are strong enough without him.

"For me, in an ideal world, after six games [of the season] when Suarez is back, I'd love to see him left out because that would mean the team is winning and he has to fight for his place," the former Liverpool hero told Talksport.

"There's no doubt Suarez will get back in, but what a sight that would be for the opposition if Liverpool are not playing well and they see Suarez coming on. We're looking forward to that."

Statistically Liverpool performed better without Suarez last season, and the hitman's controversies off the pitch have certainly been difficult for Reds fans to take, particularly when he bit an opposition player for the second time in his professional career.

During Liverpool's pre-season trip the club's supporters were positive towards Suarez but whether the local fans will feel the same for the star when he takes to the pitch in this campaign remains to be seen.